10. Northern Iowa Panthers

Three years ago, Northern Iowa had a remarkable NCAA tournament run, beating UNLV and then Kansas to make it to the 2010 Sweet 16.

Since then, the Panthers (18-13; 11-7 MVC) haven’t returned to the Dance.

This year, UNI has been tough as nails at home (12-3) where they have had quality wins against Creighton, St. Mary’s and Wichita State.

But since the Panthers only won four of their first 10 Missouri Valley Conference games, the only chance that they have to make it to this year’s NCAA tournament is by winning the MVC tourney in St. Louis.

9. Boise State Broncos

The Boise State basketball program has a long, long way to go if it wants to catch up to the school’s celebrated football program.

The Broncos (20-8; 8-6 MWC) have made a total of five NCAA tournament appearances but have never won a single game.

This year’s team has won 11 of 12 home games, including quality victories against UNLV, Colorado State, Creighton and Wyoming.

But BSU’s downfall has been when they’ve played away from Taco Bell Arena.

The Broncos are an unexceptional 5-7 on the road.

Leon Rice’s squad is pulling it all together at the right time, winning their last four games. They have two monster games (at UNLV and at home against San Diego State) remaining in the regular season.

If they can win either of these, they might set themselves up for another shot at their first NCAA tournament victory ever.

5. Temple Owls

Temple is a good team in a good league, but it is more than a little surprising that the Owls (21-8; 9-5 A10) are No. 5 in the Atlantic 10 conference with one week to go in the regular season.

Their wins against Syracuse, St. Louis and LaSalle produce some nice accomplishments for their March Madness resume. Unfortunately, the selection committee will also note their confusing home losses to St. Bonaventure, Canisius and Duquesne. Ouch!

Temple is riding a five-game win streak going into the last week of the regular season, and they will play Fordham on the road and VCU at home.